Established in 1976 by Admiral Owen W. Siler, USCG and is awarded to any member of the U.S. Coast Guard who performs twenty one days of cumulative duty in the polar waters of the Arctic Circle.

Authorized for personnel who serve on remote radio stations in certain areas of Alaska, Greenland, and Norway. For flight personnel, the decoration is authorized for twenty one flight days above the Arctic Circle. It may also be awarded, on a case by case basis, to non-Coast Guard personnel who perform significant duties in support of Coast Guard missions within the Arctic region.